Frustrated And Exhausted

Today we’re getting into a topic that hits closer to home than most people want to admit - crying at work.  I’m unpacking why emotions show up, how they get misunderstood, and what actually helps when things get teary. We’ll talk gender biases, emotional triggers, and why getting curious about tears can change the whole culture of a workplace.  Whether you're a secret crier like me or so...

In this episode, I’m getting honest about something I’ve been struggling with lately - focus. From brain fog to constant distractions, it’s harder than ever to get into deep work mode. So, I’ve been digging into the science of focus, and what actually helps us reclaim our attention in the middle of all the noise! We’ll talk about inner, outer, and social focus , how tech and multitasking are rewir...

What does it really take to lead with purpose in today’s world? In this episode, I chat with Estelle McCartney, CEO of Arctic Shores, about career pivots, privilege, and creating change that matters. Estelle shares how personal loss and a desire for impact shaped her journey from politics to tech, and why her leadership style is rooted in curiosity, humility, and knowing when to lean in (and when...

Leading when you're the youngest in the room isn’t always celebrated, especially if you’re a woman. In this episode, I’m talking about the real life challenges young female leaders face, from being underestimated to dealing with age and gender bias in the workplace. I’ll share experiences from my own career and my clients’, plus offer practical ways to build your confidence, boost visibility, and...

What does it take to build a genuinely high performing team that doesn’t burn out along the way? In this episode, I’m joined by Lorraine Kelly to talk all things leadership, inclusion, and what it really means to support your people. We get into team culture, trust, boundaries, and visibility , plus how to lead with both strength and kindness. Lorraine shares the lessons that shaped her journey an...

In this episode, I’m sharing a very personal reflection on effort, performance, and the fine line between healthy striving and perfectionism - all inspired by a weekend dance show with my daughters.  From pre-show nerves to post-performance self-criticism, I saw just how early we start internalising pressure to get things exactly right. I’m talking about masking, memory processing challenges,...

What does real advocacy look like? In this episode, I sit down with Kim Atkinson, CEO of the Scottish Sports Association, to unpack the roles women and men play in driving gender equity. We explore why some women hold others back, and how men can step up as real allies. Kim shares her experiences navigating leadership from a young age, the power of mentorship, and why small actions, like advocatin...

International Women’s Day is over for another year, but what now? In this episode, I reflect on what real action for gender equity looks like and how we can go beyond hashtags and corporate campaigns. I explore the four ways women show up in leadership. More importantly, I’m asking, how do we step up? I share my next steps, including getting more involved in policy and collaboration, and I’d love...

International Women’s Day sparks celebrations, corporate campaigns, and a whole lot of debate. But is it still relevant? In this episode, I unpack the contradictions around IWD. Does it drive real change, or is it just another hashtag? I share my personal experiences of how IWD is marked around the world, why I struggle with its meaning, and what actually needs to happen for it to be more than jus...

AI is everywhere, but are women missing out on shaping its future? In this episode, I chat with Carolyn Shepherd, an expert in helping no- tech professionals embrace AI for leadership and productivity. We explore why women must get involved, the risks of staying on the side-lines, and how AI can transform career growth. Carolyn shares insights on overcoming fears, the surprising environmental impa...

We hear it all the time, women just need to be “more confident” to get ahead in their careers. But what if the problem isn’t confidence at all? In this episode, I’m breaking down the confidence myth and why this narrative unfairly shifts the responsibility onto women while ignoring the real issue: systemic bias in workplaces. Here are the highlights (02:08) Systemic Barriers and Perceived Confiden...

In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Tracy Vegro OBE, a powerhouse in the financial and regulatory world. We explored how organisations can create spaces where everyone can thrive and the role that trust, flexibility, and generational understanding play in building resilient teams. Tracy’s insights on how well intentioned teams can unintentionally create toxic cultures really stru...

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired, it’s that deep, bone weary exhaustion that makes everything feel harder than it should. In this episode, I’m getting into why so many high, achievers push through stress until they’re completely depleted and why walking away from a toxic or unfulfilling job often feels impossible. Mental Health UK Burnout Report 2025 People Management, ‘One in five took time off b...

In this episode, I’m chatting with Leisa Docherty. We explore what it really takes to adapt your leadership style, from staying consistent to earning trust and creating a culture where your team can thrive. Leisa shares her own journey, including some pivotal moments where feedback helped her rethink and refine how she shows up as a leader! Here are the highlights (01:54) Career Journey (03:58) Le...

Ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your team while others coast by unnoticed? In this episode, I’m digging into the reality of unequal effort in teams, why it happens, and how it impacts dynamics, recognition, and morale.  From the “competent person trap” to unbalanced workloads and misaligned expectations, we’ll explore how these issues create frustration and disengagement. You’ll...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Jacobs, a learning and development strategist with over 30 years of experience, to tackle the topic of allyship and its real impact. Andrew shares his personal journey of recognising privilege and turning it into meaningful action in the workplace and beyond. From questioning the performative nature of International Women’s Day to addressing everyday biases...

When you think of a leader, who comes to mind? Maybe someone bold and commanding?  I used to think the same until I worked with a leader whose quiet, intentional style completely changed my perspective.  In this episode, I’m sharing what I learned from their thoughtful approach, how listening, collaboration, and purposeful action can make just as much (if not more) of an impact as the lo...

What does success really look like for you in 2025?  In this episode, I’ll walk you through a reflection on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how to intentionally shape your year ahead. We’ll explore defining success on your terms, reflecting on lessons from 2024, and setting goals (or intentions) that align with your values, not someone else’s expectations. Here are the highlights (01:00) Refl...

Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential, and in this episode, I’m exploring why it’s so hard to prioritise but so necessary to function. I share the seven types of rest, from physical and mental to creative and emotional, and why knowing what you really need is a game changer.  It’s about moving beyond burnout, reframing rest as an investment, and learning how small, intentional steps can complet...

The festive season can be a mix of joy and tension, especially when navigating tricky relationships at work or at home.  In this episode, I talk about the common sources of conflict, like unspoken expectations and lingering tensions that bubble up when stress levels are high, and how to handle them with more calm and clarity.  We’ll explore strategies for setting boundaries, addressing b...

Toxic work environments are more than just stressful, they can be soul destroying. In this episode, I share personal experiences and practical advice on recognising when your workplace is harming your mental well being.  We’ll explore the key red flags, from poor communication to constant micromanagement, and discuss how to decide if it’s time to stay or go. If you’re feeling undervalued or b...

Wow, it’s been a whole year of Frustrated and Exhausted!  In this episode, I’m pausing to reflect on what this journey has meant, both for me and for all of you listening! From the first episode to now, it’s grown into something so much bigger than I imagined.  We’ve created a space where women in leadership feel understood, supported, and inspired to tackle the unique challenges we face...

The festive season is here, and with it comes the whirlwind of planning, hosting, and endless to do lists.  In this episode, I’m talking about the pressure many women feel to create a picture perfect celebration while juggling work, family, and everything in between. From letting go of perfectionism to prioritising meaningful connections, we’ll explore practical ways to avoid burnout and actu...

Taking risks in your career can feel like a game of high-stakes poker—do you stay in your comfort zone or bet on a bigger, bolder move? In this episode, I explore how to figure out when to take the leap and when to hold steady. From understanding your personal risk appetite to navigating career conversations, we’ll unpack the key questions to ask yourself before making that next big decision. I al...

In this episode, Alyssa Jaffer, a Senior Global Communications Manager, shares her insights on navigating the complexities of communication across cultures and the impact of gender and intersectionality in her career. From facing biases like the “motherhood penalty” to balancing assertiveness with empathy, Alyssa reveals how storytelling and community can empower women in the workplace. Her reflec...